Birishiri

Bholaganj , Sylhet

THE KINGDOM OF CLOUDS: SHAJEK

Shajek is one of the best beautiful tourist spot in Bangladesh. Shajek is the big union at Baghachari
upazila in Rangamati district. Shajek is basically a name of a river which separates Bangladesh
from India. Shajek Vally is situated in the north angle of Rangamati, near the Mizoram border boundary
area. Shajek is 1800 ft high from sea lavel. Kachalon and Machalong rivers are famous in this Vally.
Tourist attractions of the spot are sun set, rain, morning, evening, night and aborigine people. Tourists
can buy aborigine people product from indigenous Heat. Most of the people are Buddhist.
Marissa is a name of place near Shajek Vally. Most of the houses are made of bamboo here. Kanlak is
another place near Shajek Vally. It is famous for orange orchard.

Origin of name:
The name of Sajek Valley came from Sajek River that originates from Karnafuli River. Sajek River is
works as a border between Bangladesh and India.
Location:
Sajek is a union located in north of Chittagong Hill Tracts under Rangamati Zilla. It is situated 67 km
north-east from Khagrachhari town and 95 km North-West from Rangamati city. The border of
Bangladesh and Mizoram of India is 8 kilometer east from Sajek.
Nature:
Sajek valley is famous for its natural beauty. The valley is surrounded by mountains, dense forest and
grasslands hilly tracks. Many small rivers flow through the mountains among which Kachalong and
Machalong are notable. On the way to Sajek valley, one has to cross the Mayni range and Mayni River.
The road to Sajek has high picks and falls.
People and culture:
The native people of Sajek valley are ethnic minorities. Among them Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Pankua,
Lushai and Sagma are mentionable. Women seem to be more involved in economic activities here. Tea
stalls, food joints and roadside marketplaces are dominated by women. People in general are gentle,
welcoming and friendly. Picking fruits and vegetables early in the morning is a major trade here. They are
not fluent in Bengali but the young population speak English confidently.
Tourism:
Sajek was unexplored for a long time and recently it emerged as a tourist spot for its outstanding natural
beauty. The place does not have modern tourist facilities but tourists mostly enjoy the nature and culture
of the place. Though the valley is in Rangamati but to tourists prefer the route from Kagrachari to Sajek
valley through Dighinala Bazaar, Bagaihat Bazaar and Machalong Haat. Major transport is Chander Gari
which is like a four wheel jeep. Tourists can also go to Sajek from Rangamati by engine vessel. It takes
5–6 hours in that route.
Permission:
Route towards Sajek Valley from Khagrachari is passing through Dighinala Army Camp. Every tourist is
required to take permission from 10 No Baghaihat Police &amp; Army Camp.
PLACES TO LIVE
There are several cottages\resorts available at Sajek Valley for night staying.
 Runmoy Resort, Sajek BGB, Dighinala – Sajek Rd, Phone: +880 1783-969200
 Mountain INN; Phone: +880 1717-711541

WHERE TO EAT:
 Coffee Dawr, Ruluipara Sajek, Sajek
 Rock Proshanti Canteen, Ruluipara Sajek; Phone: +880 1868-392087
 Kajalong Guest House And Restaurant Hill Top, Dighinala – Sajek Rd, Sajek; Phone: +880 1836-207340
How to Go
Sajek Vally is in Rangamati district but tourists can reach there from Khagrachari also. From Khagrachari
you can reach at Dighinala using CNG driven vehicles. It will be around 50 taka per person. From
Dighinala you hire motor bike or any four wheel driven vehicles locally known as Chander Gari. It will be
better if you hire the vehicle for round trip. Otherwise you may not find any vehicle during your returning.
Visitors can also go to Shajek from Rangamati by engine vessel. Baghaichari is the landing station. It
takes 5 to 6 hours to reach Baghaichari. Costing is within 200 taka per person. From Baghaichari, you
have to hire Chander Gari to reach Sajek which will cost 300 taka per person. There are some good
coaches which will take you from Dhaka to Rangamati Or Dhaka to Khagrachhari. Both AC and non AC
coaches are available. These buses leave from Sayedabad,Fakirapul,Motijheel bus terminals every hour
till midnight.